Sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from stories that don’t go as planned. That spirit of openness and readiness for the unexpected was front and center during this summer’s unforgettable Fireside Chat with Bristol Myers Squibb CEO, Chris Boerner. For our summer interns, this wasn’t just another calendar event—it was a chance to see leadership up close, and to reflect on their own careers through a fresh and encouraging lens.
BMS culture on display
Bristol Myers Squibb’s summer internship program has never seen an event quite like this before. From the outset, a genuine sense of excitement filled the room. As Parth Patel, DigITal Accelerator Intern, so aptly remarked, “I know a lot of interns found it an exciting and insightful event. Culture is one of Bristol Myers Squibb’s many strong suits, and this was a great display of it to the newcomers.” That welcoming energy didn’t just showcase BMS’s values; it made everyone feel like they were a part of something truly special.
Embracing career twists
What stood out most was a conversation about career journeys—the twists, turns, and redirects that so often surprise us, but lead us where we’re meant to be. Nicholas DeAngelis, Worldwide Patient Safety Intern, captured this perfectly: “I was genuinely surprised to learn about Chris Boerner’s early career aspirations, with his focus on academia and self-described aversion towards the sciences. His journey from those beginnings to becoming CEO...is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear and often take unexpected turns.”
Similarly, Chris Ciccarello, Accounting Development Intern, noted, “I found it very interesting how he started as a consultant at McKinsey and then worked at different biotech firms, then eventually started working at BMS in Commercial.”
The value of openness
The informal, honest tone of the chat invited candid storytelling. Raven Byars, Commercial LDP Intern, shared, “It was fun to hear Chris recount his experience of his first time visiting the BMS campus and how he knew he could never work for such a big company. It's a great lesson in not limiting your journey and staying open and ready for unique career opportunities!” The story was a gentle nudge for each of us: don’t box yourself in; sometimes the doors you least expect lead to the most rewarding experiences.
Leading with authenticity
Perhaps most meaningful was Chris Boerner’s emphasis on authenticity—holding true to who you are and where you come from. Maura Ott, Worldwide Patient Safety Intern, expressed, “I really appreciated Chris’ discussion of his upbringing in Arkansas and how this has impacted his career...Chris emulates these values, leading with empathy, a patient-centered vision, and care for each individual. I found his unapologetic commitment to these ideals to be inspiring, reminding us that our greatest successes often come when we stay true to our roots.”
Inspired to embrace the unknown
The conversation left many interns reflecting on their own paths, feeling newly emboldened to embrace the unknowns ahead. If there’s one takeaway, it’s that journeys rarely follow the routes we map—but with an open mind and values to guide us, every twist holds opportunity.
Envision yourself as part of the next class of BMS interns? The search for our 2026 Summer Internship cohort begins in September. Explore available paths on our careers page for students.
